The MoU on the programme was signed by Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Nguyen Dinh Khang, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Pham Tan Cong, President of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) Nguyen Ngoc Bao, and ILO Country Director for Vietnam Ingrid Christensen.

The country programme provides a cooperation framework for the ILO and the Vietnamese partners until 2026 with a view to ensuring decent and sustainable work for all and that by 2026, Vietnamese people, especially those at risk of being left behind, will contribute and benefit equitably from the sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work.

It also looks to ensure that people will benefit from inclusive, gender-responsive, disability-sensitive, equitable, affordable and quality social services and social protection systems; have moved further out of poverty in all its dimensions; and be empowered to reach their full potential.

Another priority of the prorgamme is that people will benefit from and contribute to a more just, safe and inclusive society based on improved governance, more responsive institutions, strengthened rule of law and the protection of and respect for human rights, gender equality and freedom from all forms of violence and discrimination, in line with Vietnam’s international commitments.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Minister Dung said that since the Decent Work Agenda was launched globally by the ILO, Vietnam and the organisation have signed and implemented the Decent Work Country Programme for 2006 - 2010, 2012 - 2016, and 2017 - 2021.

During the three phases, the ILO has always stood side by side with the tripartite constituents of Vietnam (the Government, the workers' and employers' organisations) to effectively carry out this programme, helping to promote social equality and progress.

He affirmed that in the fourth phase, the Vietnamese Government will continue to focus on employment, human resources development, and social security in association with international economic integration in the new context, ensuring the conformity with the sustainable development strategy, the balance between economic and social targets, as well as interests of workers, enterprises, and society.

ILO Country Director Christensen noted Vietnam’s priorities concerning green jobs and productivity, social protection and security for workers, and maintenance of the effective governance the labour market and labour relations have been highly valued.

The ILO is ready to work closely with the Vietnamese Government and social partners, she said, adding that with close cooperation among the parties, differences can be created at the national and local levels.

She also expressed her belief that the signing and the Decent Work Country Programme Vietnam 2022 - 2026 will be the next important step towards the common goal of promoting social equality and sustainable work for all./.VNA